China and Australia Draw, Both Qualify for AFC U23 Asian Cup Finals

In a Group D match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, China and Australia played to a scoreless draw, each earning a point and securing their spots in the finals. The Olyroos ultimately claimed the top spot in the group due to their superior goal difference. China secured second place and qualified as one of the four best runners-up across the eleven qualifying groups.

Australia controlled the majority of possession throughout the game and had opportunities to score in the first half. However, a header from striker Nathanael Blair was saved by China's goalkeeper, Li Hao, in the 39th minute.

The second half saw further chances for Australia. In the 48th minute, Oscar Priestman's close-range volley was also denied by Li. Blair later missed the target, firing over the crossbar eight minutes later.

Following the match, Australia's head coach, Antony Vidmar, acknowledged the difficulty of the game against a strong opponent. He expressed pride in his team's performance, highlighting their resilience in challenging conditions.

China's head coach, Antonio Puche Vicente, expressed satisfaction with his players' efforts. He mentioned his pre-qualifier goal of bringing joy to Chinese football fans, and stated that his players had accomplished their mission. Vicente also praised his team's determination, comparing them to "11 Terracotta Warriors" on the field.

The AFC U23 Asian Cup finals are scheduled to take place in January 2026 in Saudi Arabia.